Silvia Miranda Earns a Presidential Educator Award

One might think, after earning many prestigious teaching awards in the space of four years, that Silvia Miranda (BAE 04) would be used to the accolades.

“No, it doesn’t get old,” Silvia said after earning her latest honor, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). “It was a rigorous application process, and I’m always honored to be named.”

The project earning her the award was born out of necessity. Her school – Mesa Elementary in Clovis, New Mexico – was still reeling from COVID-19 regulations and shutdowns.

“I was trying to teach multiplication, but all the students could talk about was the restrictions on the playground during recess due to the pandemic,” Silvia said. So, she did what all good instructors do. She turned the inconvenience into a teachable moment.

“We worked to create a COVID-safe playground using multiplication strategies, as well as addition and subtraction of multi-digit numbers,” Silvia said. “All the students were into it because now math was relatable to their world and life!”

The PAEMST award is one of many Silvia has received in her career. She was a National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Shell Science Teaching Award finalist in 2020, won an Intel/Golden Apple STEM Teacher Grant in 2019, and was a 2018 New Mexico Teacher of the Year finalist and 2018 Clovis Teacher of the Year.

Silvia was also honored by the Milken Family Foundation with a $25,000 grant in 2018. Fellow ENMU alum Tyler Finch (MED 15, BS 12) of Loving, New Mexico, also won this award in April of this year (see page 8), and Silvia was happy to be present for his ceremony at Loving High School. Silvia began her career in Clovis as a kindergarten teacher and was a fourth-grade teacher at Mesa Elementary for eight years before becoming a reading specialist at Mesa and James Bickley elementary schools. She collaborates with principals, teachers and other reading specialists to craft the best strategies to teach and inspire students to love reading. “I wanted a position that would allow me to make an impact beyond the classroom,” Silvia said. “I love helping teachers and have learned so much from observing and coaching others. “It’s gratifying to see students excited about learning and getting to see them grow with their knowledge,” she added. Silvia said earning the PAEMST award should inspire others who may face obstacles and challenges when trying to achieve their goals. She was also quick to point out her family’s support. “My husband and two daughters have supported me and been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my educational journey,” Silvia said. “I hope I can inspire kids – especially minority girls – to follow their passion for science, technology, engineering and math.”

While Silvia was presented the PAEMST award – and the $10,000 prize that goes with it – during a virtual ceremony in February, she was able to travel to Washington, D.C., in May to receive the honor in person. Federal educational administrators and other award winners were there applauding her career success.

Right after returning from Washington, Silvia was back on another flight to Los Angeles, California, where she presented for the Milken Educator Awards forum and met with other Milken award winners.

With all this hob-nobbing with the higher echelon of education in the nation, does Silvia have any new career plans? “As an educator, you can lead within the walls of the classroom and make a huge difference,” she said. “Kids are my passion, and I’m not ready to move on to a different role. “That said, my ultimate goal is to be a published children’s book author, but that’s a way down the road,” Silvia added. “First, I want to do something that elevates minority voices and promotes a growth mindset. Anything is possible.”

Photo Courtesy Sylvia Miranda Silvia Miranda with her family at the Presidential Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. From left, sister Susanna Puebla, daughter Jackie Miranda, husband Elder Miranda, Silvia, daughter Joanna Miranda, parents Guadalupe and Indalecio Cano.